Springfield RF Sedgley 1896 Krag-Jorgensen .25-35 23.5” Bolt Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,890.00
LSB#: LSB250623CH004
Make: Springfield
Model: 1896 Krag-Jorgensen
Serial Number: 63298
Year of Manufacture: 1897 Antique
Caliber/Gauge: .25-35 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt action, side-loading internal magazine
Markings: Most of the original markings have been removed in the refinishing process. The stock has no markings. The gun has been rebarreled and now bears the “25-35” cartridge marking, and “R.F. SEDGLEY INC. PHILA. PA. L. S.A.”. The receiver reads “U.S. / MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. 63298”.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead blade atop a serrated ramp banded around the barrel. The rear sight is a Lyman peep sight with adjustable windage and elevation. The bracket for the peep sight is mounted to the side of the receiver. There is a filler in the peep sight bracket. The actual peep sight is included, but currently isn’t attached due to the scope being mounted. There is a J. Unertyl scope currently mounted atop the barrel. The glass is clear and in Good condition.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece smooth wood with a raised cheekpiece. There are light handling marks present with some light dings and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks present. There is a Noshoc squishy recoil pad that shows moderate wear. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt. The stock rates in about Very good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its non original metal finish. The balance of finish shows light wear with blemishes and scuffs from handling and storage. The screw heads are lightly tooled with turnable slots. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action and safety function correctly. We did not fire this rifle. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope, peep sight
Our Assessment: The R.F. Sedgley custom rifles are prized examples of American gunsmithing artistry in the early 20th century. Sedgley, a Philadelphia gunsmith, became well known for reworking surplus U.S. Krag-Jorgensen and Springfield rifles into elegant, lightweight sporting arms. His rifles often featured high-quality barrels chambered in popular commercial cartridges of the time, such as .25-35 WCF, which offered a flat-shooting option for deer and varmints.
This rifle began life as a U.S. Model 1896 Springfield Krag, but was later rebuilt into a sporter by Sedgley with a 23.5” custom barrel, sporting stock, and upgraded sights. Being built on a pre-1899 receiver, it qualifies as an Antique.
With its bright 9/10 bore, solid mechanics, and classic Sedgley craftsmanship, this rifle is an excellent addition for collectors of Krag-Jorgensens, custom sporting rifles, or early 20th-century American gunsmithing. Sedgley rifles are increasingly recognized for their historical and collector value, making this an appealing and functional piece of American firearms history. Be sure to check our detailed pictures for a better understanding of the firearm. -C.R.
